Space Communications to market its own broadcasting platform

Initially, the company will use Express-AM5 and Express-AM6 satellites, which would be launched in 2012

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VATUTINKI, Moscow region, September 6 (Itar-Tass) —— The Space Communications federal company plans to market its own broadcasting platform, Space Communications Deputy General Director Yevgeny Buidinov said at an international conference on IP communications and services in Russia on Tuesday.

“We will create channel packages and broadcast them,” he said, adding that the cooperation would mostly develop with cable TV operators.

Initially, the company will use Express-AM5 and Express-AM6 satellites, which would be launched in 2012.

He also said that experts predicted an increase of satellite broadcast in Russia from 14% in 2010 to 21% in 2013. “There is a trend of the increased number of commercial channels offered by large Russian and foreign media holdings and small companies,” he said.

He also said that a new telecom satellite, which would replace the lost Express-AM4, will be put to orbit before 2015.

“A new satellite will be launched before 2015 to replace Express-AM4. It will be named Express-AM4r, r stands for reserve,” he said.

“The construction of the same satellite with the same blueprints will be the quickest way to replace the lost satellite,” he said. Until then, the position of 80 degrees East may be used by international or foreign satellites, he added.

“We are considering every option. Our losses are big, and the insurance will not cover the lost years. The position [of 80 degrees East] is strategic for Russia,” Buidinov said.

Express-AM4 was launched from Baikonur in the early hours of July 18, but contact with the satellite was lost. The satellite never reached the designated orbit, and Space Communications, which ordered the launch, had to admit the loss of its satellite. Express-AM4 was supposed to become the most modern and powerful satellite in Europe and provide Russia with digital television and satellite Internet service.